Collapsible basket



Feb. 11, 1936. D, B, GRAY S COLLAPSIBLE BASKET Filed NOV. l2, 1934 lNvENToR,

ATTRNEYS.

Patented Feb. ll, 1936 PATENT OFFICE- COLLAPSIBLE BASKET Dale B. Gray, Kansas City, Mo., assignor to Gray & Terry Manufacturing Co., Kansas City. Mo., a iirm composed of Dale B. Gray and Warren Terry Application November 12, 1934, Serial No. 752,577 s claims. (ci. 15e-.49)

This 'invention relates to baskets or similar receptacles of the collapsible type adapted for use where a large number of the baskets must be stored, and the primary object of the invention is the provision of such a device wherein is embodied unique and novel folding framework that will readily move to and from the collapsed position, and when in the opened position, will serve to form a relatively rigid structure that will not accidentally give way as the basket is being used.

Another important aim of this invention is the provision of a collapsible basket having an uniquely formed framework that is covered with a flexible material and provided with a handle whereby when the basket is supported by said handle, the framework and its covering is positively held in an opened condition.

A yet further object of this invention is to provide a basket particularly advantageous in retail stores where the customer carries a basket from his point of entrance of the store to the exit thereof for the purpose of collecting the commodities selected. ln self-service stores of the aforementioned character, wicker, or other non-collapsible baskets occupy a large amount of expensive oor space and, besides, present rough and jagged parts which snag and tear the users clothing.

One of the objects of this invention, therefore,

isto provide a collapsible basket that is capable of fulfilling the requirements of a self-servicing store, yet will not present the disadvantages and objections, some of which are hereinabove set down.

With the foregoing broad general objects in view and the many minor objects of the invention yet to be set down in the specification, the invention will be described by reference to the accompanying drawing, exemplifying two forms of embodiment thereof. In the drawing:

Figure 1 is a perspective View of a collapsible basket made in accordance with this invention.

Fig. 2 is a vertical cross section through the same.

Fig. 3 is a similar section, but with the basket structure collapsed.

Fig. 4 is a vertical, central, longitudinal section through the framework of the basket, with the covering removed.

Fig. 5 is a vertical, longitudinal section through the framework only ofa collapsible basket made to embody a modified form of the invention, and,

Fig. 6 is a. vertical, cross section through the basket embodying the modified form.

In building this novel basket, a framework of wire or similar material is first constructed and comprises a polygonal, circumscribing rim 8 which defines the open top of the basket when the same is in the operative position. Side members, also constructedof Wire, are swingably secured to the longitudinal side portion of rim 8 and two of these side members must be employed.

It has been found advantageous to form each of the two side members as illustrated in the drawing and to consist of a U-shaped piece having legs I0, the ends of which are each provided with an eye I2 which engages rim 8. The base member I4 of each of the U-shaped side members is provided with a plurality of inturned kinks I6 which engage the bottom I8 of the basket when the framework is open.

Each U-shaped side member is provided with a V-shaped tie member 20, the ends of which are secured to base I4 intermediate legs I0, while the bight 22 is projected above rim 8 when the basket is opened. Tie member 20 is coiled about rim 8 at the zone of its intersection therewith and these coils 2I create a fulcrum about which tie member 20 pivots. As illustrated in the drawing, there are two tie members 20 and the two opposed bights 22 thereof serve to engage the flexible handle 24 of the basket, which results in an outward force being exerted at base I4 when the basket is supported by handle 24. As the basket is so held, base I4 and kinks I6 are moved downwardly against bottom I8 and outwardly against sides 26 of the basket. This action maintains legs I0 snugly in their respective corners and the entire basket structure assumes a very rigid condition,

To collapse the basket, it is only necessary to pivot tie members 20 about their connection with rim 8 in any desired manner so that the U- shaped side members are drawn inwardly toward each other to an overlapped relation as exemplied in Fig.,3. In so doing, rim 8 moves downwardly onto bottom I8 and the basket parts all assume a very compact, flat position. The fabric covering 28 may be made of canvas, duck, muslin, or any other suitablematerial that will readily ex to allow the framework to open and close and handle 2d should be of the same material. The handle should be alxed to bights 22 so that it will have free movement at the point of connection. l

It has been found desirable to provide a rigid panel 30 in the bottom of the basket and to ax thereto feet 32, all to the end that a more durable base structure for supporting the carried articles is presented.

In the modii'led form of the invention, illustrated in Figs. and 6, the framework structure is slightly altered but the collapsing action is accomplished in much the same manner. In this embodiment rim 50 has loops 52 pivotaliy supported thereby, which have extensions 53 for the purpose of engaging members 52. These loops 52 receive the handle and the bottom is provided with a similar rim 54 which carries U- shaped corner members comprising legs 56 and 58 joined by base 60. Leg 58 is pivoted to longitudinal side of rim 54 by ceiling the same thereabout, and a link 62, having one end coiled about upper rim 50 as at 64, is wrapped around base S0 and extended therebeyond to form a stop 65 which engages one side of the associated leg 56.

Thus corner members for the frame are provided which have a hinge or jack knife joint intermediate the upper and lower rims 50 and 54 respectively, to the end that these corner members might be folded inwardly only when the basket is collapsed. Obviously, an upward pull on the handle which is joined to loops 52 will open this framework and stop 66 will insure rigidity as the load is introduced into the basket. Covering of this modified form of framework has not been illustrated, but it may be of the same character as that previously described.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

1.v In a collapsible basket, a bottom; a collapsible framework; a flexible covering for said framework, the framework comprising a rim, a pair of side members swingably mounted on said rim having a portion above the rim and a portion below the rim when the basket is open; and a handle joining the side members at the upwardly extending portion thereof whereby when the basket is carried the portions below the rim are forced outwardly against the said iiexible covering.

2. In a collapsible basket, a bottom; a collapsible framework; a flexible covering for said framework, the framework comprising a rim, a pair of side members swingably mounted on said rim with a portion thereof extending above the rim; and a flexible handle joining the extended portions of said side members.

3. In a collapsible basket, a bottom; a collapsible framework; a flexible covering for said framework, the framework comprising a rim, a pair of U-shaped side members swingably mounted on said rim with the base portions thereof against the said bottom when the basket is opened, an intermediate tie member secured to each of the base portions respectively, extending above the said rim when the basket is opened and hingedly joined thereto at the zone of intersection; and a handle joining the upwardly extended portions of the tie members.

4. In a collapsible basket having a flexible body, a framework comprising a top rim; a pair of U-shaped side members swingably mounted on said rim with the base portions thereof extending along the bottom of the basket body and the legs thereof at the corners of said body; a tie member joining each base respectively of the U-shaped side members and the said rim and having a portion thereof extending beyond the said rim; and a. handle joining the said extended portions, said tie members being coiled about the said rim to establish a fulcrum for the said members.

5. In a collapsible basket having a flexible body, a framework comprising a top rim; a pair of U-shaped side members swingably mounted on said rim with the base portions thereof extending along the bottom of the basket body and the legs thereof at the corners of said body; a tie member joining each base respectively of the U-shaped side members and the said rim and having a portion thereof extending beyond the said rim; and a handle joining the said extended portions, said tie members being coiled about the said rim to establish a fulcrum for the said members, said side members having kinks formed in the bases thereof, said body having a rigid panel in the bottom thereof underlying said kinks when the frame is opened.

6. In a collapsible basket of the kind described,

.a collapsible framework; a covering of flexible material for the framework; a rigid panel in the bottom of said basket; and a exible handle extending across the top of said basket, the framework comprising a substantially square rim, a pair of U-shaped side members having the ends of their legs swingably secured to the said rim at opposite corners thereof and their base portions extending along the bottom of said basket against the top of said rigid panel, a V-shaped tie member on each sidev member respectively having its ends secured to the base of the tie member and coiled about the said rim with the bight thereof in opposed relation to the said base, said handle joining the two opposed bights whereby to urge the base of the side members outwardly and downwardly when the basket is supported thereby,

DAIE B. GRAY. 

